ambchang
08-15-2013, 07:58 AM
in the 00's:
1) Chris Webber was considered an equal to Duncan. In fact, the Spurs lobbied hard to get Webber to replace Robinson, and as insurance if Duncan decided to leave in 2003. Thank goodness that didn't happen.
2) Garnett was considered an equal, or even superior to Duncan. But as time passes, Duncan's alpha traits and Garnett's beta traits came out, and it was debate no more.
3) Shaq was the next Wilt. He really was that good, that dominant. Shaq was the most dominant player in the NBA since Wilt, where marginal big men had jobs just to give Shaq 6 fouls. Too bad he didn't take care of himself, grew to 350lbs (probably more) to a point where his gigantic frame couldn't even hold his even more gigantic mass.
4) Lebron was the Magic + Jordan hybrid, destined to be the GOAT. He certain had (and still has) the skills, but his mental approach has been questioned, and rightfully so. While Lebron was no doubt talented, I still feel that he would be taught the way to handle pressure situations and how to carry himself better if he went to college for 2 to 3 years instead of having to figure all that out on his own. If Lebron actually went to college and was tutored by a great college coach, he possibly would have been the GOAT.
5) Kobe was considered equal to Carter and McGrady. From a skill standpoint, yes. However, Kobe had way better longevity (PEDs, cough cough), better drive, and better teammates. If T-Mac/Carter switched places with Kobe, they would have won 3 rings as a beta to Shaq, just like Kobe did, but no way would they be able to win two more with MVPau because their bodies would have broken down by then.
6) The league made a serious attempt to win over street baller fans, featuring players like AI, Starbury, and White Chocolate. They went h2h against And1 with that dribbling/beats commercial. At the end, the league realized that empty seats already paid my millionaires gives them more revenue than filled $15 seats paid by inner city kids. It's just not a market worth going after with that much effort. Besides, die hard basketball fans will buy gear regardless, what's the point of pouring all that $ with marginal increase in sales?
7) Dirk was a choke artist. Some people still claim that, but it is now in the minority. Teams get exploited in the playoffs. The Mavs had obvious issues dealing with long athletic teams. It really wasn't Dirk's fault.
8) Gilbert Arenas was the next AI. How that went down fast.
9) Pierce was sharing equal billing with Walker. That was hilarious. Walker was a horribly inefficient player who had the skills and body of a PF, but thinks he's a SG. 8 3PA/gm and shooting 39% from the field? What the hell is that?
10) The Lakers were a dominant franchise, the empire where the sun never sets.
11) The Spurs window has closed. That was around since 2007, still going ...
1) Chris Webber was considered an equal to Duncan. In fact, the Spurs lobbied hard to get Webber to replace Robinson, and as insurance if Duncan decided to leave in 2003. Thank goodness that didn't happen.
2) Garnett was considered an equal, or even superior to Duncan. But as time passes, Duncan's alpha traits and Garnett's beta traits came out, and it was debate no more.
3) Shaq was the next Wilt. He really was that good, that dominant. Shaq was the most dominant player in the NBA since Wilt, where marginal big men had jobs just to give Shaq 6 fouls. Too bad he didn't take care of himself, grew to 350lbs (probably more) to a point where his gigantic frame couldn't even hold his even more gigantic mass.
4) Lebron was the Magic + Jordan hybrid, destined to be the GOAT. He certain had (and still has) the skills, but his mental approach has been questioned, and rightfully so. While Lebron was no doubt talented, I still feel that he would be taught the way to handle pressure situations and how to carry himself better if he went to college for 2 to 3 years instead of having to figure all that out on his own. If Lebron actually went to college and was tutored by a great college coach, he possibly would have been the GOAT.
5) Kobe was considered equal to Carter and McGrady. From a skill standpoint, yes. However, Kobe had way better longevity (PEDs, cough cough), better drive, and better teammates. If T-Mac/Carter switched places with Kobe, they would have won 3 rings as a beta to Shaq, just like Kobe did, but no way would they be able to win two more with MVPau because their bodies would have broken down by then.
6) The league made a serious attempt to win over street baller fans, featuring players like AI, Starbury, and White Chocolate. They went h2h against And1 with that dribbling/beats commercial. At the end, the league realized that empty seats already paid my millionaires gives them more revenue than filled $15 seats paid by inner city kids. It's just not a market worth going after with that much effort. Besides, die hard basketball fans will buy gear regardless, what's the point of pouring all that $ with marginal increase in sales?
7) Dirk was a choke artist. Some people still claim that, but it is now in the minority. Teams get exploited in the playoffs. The Mavs had obvious issues dealing with long athletic teams. It really wasn't Dirk's fault.
8) Gilbert Arenas was the next AI. How that went down fast.
9) Pierce was sharing equal billing with Walker. That was hilarious. Walker was a horribly inefficient player who had the skills and body of a PF, but thinks he's a SG. 8 3PA/gm and shooting 39% from the field? What the hell is that?
10) The Lakers were a dominant franchise, the empire where the sun never sets.
11) The Spurs window has closed. That was around since 2007, still going ...